The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the UK and Ireland’s hospitality ‘superstars’, as well as those that have gone above and beyond to grow their organisation, look after their people and champion the industry.

The judging panel of industry experts and Springboard ambassadors praised the high standard of entries received across all categories this year. The awards ceremony will take place at InterContinental Park Lane in Mayfair.

Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, commented: “To be shortlisted for a Springboard Award for Excellence is a mark of hospitality brilliance. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to come together and commend our top businesses and people, showcasing their successes and hugely talented workforces. Yet again, the awards have grown, and the stunning InterContinental Park Lane is the perfect setting for us all to gather, raise a glass and celebrate our incredible industry.”

Shortlisted finalists:

Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award

• Alistair Kemley
• Kierra Smith
• Natasha Elston
• Sophie Pace-Balzan

Best Recruitment Initiative Award – sponsored by Caterer.com

• Greene King
• Hilton
• Liberation Pub Group
• Providence Hotels
• Z Hotels

Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award – sponsored by HIT Training

• CH&CO
• Greene King
• JKS Restaurants
• Mitchells & Butlers
• The Vineyard Hotel, Newbury
• Umbel Restaurant Group, Academy by Simon Rogan

Employee Engagement Award – sponsored by Boyes Turner

• CH&CO
• Dalata Hotel Group
• Eden Hotel Collection
• Elior
• Rare Restaurants

Best Training Programme Award

• CH&CO
• Dakota Hotels
• Leonardo Hotels
• Rare Restaurants
• Sodexo Live!

Career Development Initiative Award – sponsored by Diageo

• Accor
• Crerar Hotels
• IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Rare Restaurants
• RBH Hospitality Management

Best Use of Technology Award – sponsored by Mapal

• Delaware North
• The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
• The Elms
• The Lowry

​​​​​​​Talent Development Team of the Year Award – sponsored by Hospitality Jobs UK

• 5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s
• Raffles Hotel
• Z Hotels

Employee Health and Wellbeing Award – sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels

• Dishoom
• Eden Hotel Collection
• Rare Restaurants
• Valor Hospitality

Community Engagement Award – sponsored by 5 Hertford Street

• Aurora Foxes
• Craig Prentice, mum
• DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCel
• Sodexo

Disability Champion Award – sponsored by Sodexo

• Cardiff Council
• Greene King
• Gusto Restaurants
• Hilton
• Pan Pacific London

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award – sponsored by CH&CO

• Brewhouse & Kitchen
• Elior
• Rare Restaurants
• The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
• Valor Hospitality

Best Education and Industry Partnership Award

• Aloft Birmingham Eastside & The Eastside Rooms
• Hilton
• Sodexo
• The Vineyard Group
• Umbel Restaurant Group, Academy by Simon Rogan

Sustainable Business Award – sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems

• Apex Hotels
• Hilton
• Leonardo Hotels
• Sodexo
• Wilson Vale

Springboard Ambassador of the Year – sponsored by BaxterStorey

• Ian Higgins, The Ivy Collection
• Julian Rose-Gibbs, The Anchor Pub, Digbeth
• Kyle Basnett, Gusto Restaurants
• Michael Taylor, Sodexo

Best Employer Award – sponsored by Coca-Cola

• 5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s
• Eden Hotel Collection
• Hand Picked Hotels
• Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
• Permanently Unique
• The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award – sponsored by Bidfood

Winner to be announced on the night